Milwaukeeans looking for a free Thanksgiving meal or simply a place to belong on the holiday have several options this November. Some area organizations are hosting gatherings to celebrate the holiday with a free, hot meal and fellowship. Others are distributing ingredients for those in need to be able to make their own dinners. Here are some Milwaukee-area organizations looking to give back to the community this month, in chronological order of when the giveaways are happening.
Greater New Birth Turkey Giveaway
Greater New Birth Church, in partnership with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Engine 16 of the Milwaukee Fire Department, will hand out one turkey per household, while supplies last. Participants must be physically present and must provide a state photo ID or driver’s license.
When: 7-10 a.m. Nov. 15
Where: Greater New Birth Church, 8237 W. Silver Spring Drive
HeartLove Place’s Turkey Drive-Thru Give-A-Way
The nonprofit Heartlove Place is holding its annual drive-thru turkey giveaway. No registration required. One turkey per family will be provided while supplies last.
When: 11 a.m. Nov. 20
Where: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2207 N. 2nd St., Milwaukee
Community Joy Day at the Jewish Community Pantry
The Jewish Community Pantry’s Community Joy Day will provide families in need with ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal, baby products and personal supplies. The event will also provide guests with on-site health screenings through Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and connect them with community initiatives through Metcalfe Park Community Bridges. DJ4000 will perform for guests during the event. Community Joy Day is supported by Feeding America, Hunger Task Force and Trader Joe’s. The Jewish Community Pantry is a program through the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.
Brentwood Church of Christ
Brentwood Church of Christ will provide turkeys and groceries, while supplies last.
When: 2 p.m. Nov. 21
Where: Brentwood Church of Christ, 6425 N. 60th St., Milwaukee
More information: (414) 353-6757
Missionary Currie Turkey Giveaway
Missionary Currie for Women and Children Inc. will give away diapers and 200 free turkeys Friday, Nov. 21, starting at 4 p.m. The giveaway is first-come-first served and will go on while supplies last. The event will take place at Kuumba Juice and Coffee on East Keefe Avenue.
Solomon Community Temple Turkey Giveaway
The Solomon Community Temple United Methodist Church’s food pantry will give away turkeys on Friday, Nov. 21, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Turkey Club, a Southeastern Wisconsin nonprofit, is sponsoring the giveaway.
Thanksgiving Halal Turkey Giveaway
Hanan Relief Group will hold a Halal turkey giveaway, while supplies last. Food packages will include a Halal turkey, lentils, rice, canned corn and green beans. One turkey per family. Sponsors include the Hunger Task Force, Islamic Relief USA, Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Layton Family Dental and Molina Healthcare.
When: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Nov. 22
Where: Hunger Task Force, 5000 W. Electric Ave., West Milwaukee
Registration: Online at ow.ly/CxxU50XrimW
Victory Garden Initiative’s Gather and Gobble Turkey Giveaway
Victory Garden Initiative will host a Thanksgiving-style meal and give away one frozen turkey per household attending the event while supplies last. “Everyone deserves a full plate and a warm space to gather, so come be part of ours!” Victory Garden posted on its Instagram page. The nonprofit’s mission is to create a community-led, socially just, sustainable and nutritious food system for all, according to its website.
Gee’s Clippers’ Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Gee’s Clippers will host a Thanksgiving meal giveaway that will hand out 500 turkeys, hams and sides. No registration is required. The event is first-come, first-served. The giveaway is sponsored by Gee’s MKE Foundation, Gee’s Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach Darvin Ham and wife Deneitra Ham, Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin and the Greater Milwaukee Urban League.
St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church Thanksgiving Turkey or Ham Giveaway
St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church is giving away ingredients for 750 Thanksgiving dinners with turkey or ham and traditional sides including cranberry sauce, yams, chicken broth, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix, rolls, cream of mushroom soup, green beans, a 3-pound bag of onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, oranges and half of a celery stalk. Sponsors include the Interchange Food Pantry and Walmart.
Milwaukee Dream Center Thanksgiving Community Event
Milwaukee Dream Center is serving free hot Thanksgiving meals and live music, plus offering a bag of food and turkey (one per registered family), while supplies last.
Make a Family Smile Turkey Giveaway & Dinner
Evolve Church is partnering with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to give away one turkey per household plus offer a free sit-down dinner in the community center’s gym.
Turkey Giveaway at Milwaukee Community Crossroads:
The emergency food pantry at Milwaukee Community Crossroads will be giving away turkeys on Monday, Nov. 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. while supplies last. In addition to turkeys, the pantry has other meal items, such as mashed potato mixes, ingredients for green bean casserole and cornbread muffin mix.
The pantry, which is open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., provides families with a three-to-five-day supply of food of their choice once a month. For those who do not want turkeys or holiday meal items, other options are available.
When: Monday, Nov. 24, from 1-3pm
Where: Milwaukee Community Crossroads emergency food pantry at 807 S. 14th Street. Entrance is towards the back of the parking lot.
Pantry eligibility: Families can only visit the emergency food pantry once per month. Learn more about the eligibility requirements to visit the pantry through the Milwaukee Community Crossroads website.
Questions: To learn more, call (414) 902-5391, email kstrand@mccwi.org or visit the website.
Amani Thanksgiving Grocery Giveaway
Individuals and families living in the 53206 ZIP code can pick up free boxes filled with groceries, hygiene supplies and more when they present proof of address, such as an ID or piece of mail. One box per household. The boxes will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis, up to 100 boxes. The event is put on by Dominican Center and Amani United.
Holiday Community Meal at Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch
The Milwaukee Public Library invites families to its Mitchell Street Branch to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. There will be holiday-themed activities and good company to enjoy a meal with.
Journey House Thanksgiving Dinner
Journey House will serve a free Thanksgiving dinner. Registration is required.
McBob’s Pub & Grill’s 10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner
McBob’s is inviting “anyone who is looking for a place to belong” to drop in for a complimentary Thanksgiving Day meal on the big day, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, and pie will be served. Solo patrons, couples and families are all welcome to attend. For additional information, visit the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/events/2013298412806316.
Speed Queen BBQ Thanksgiving plates
Speed Queen BBQ will be open for those in need of food on Thanksgiving, a departure from previous years when it was closed. The restaurant will offer turkey or ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, a dinner roll, a slice of cake and juice, with a maximum of two plates per person, Riley Gillespie posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
‘Tis the Season Thanksgiving
Northcott Neighborhood House will serve a free Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, prepared by Milwaukee chef Lisa Kaye, owner of Lisa Kaye Catering and Lisa Kaye Bistro, 3801 W. Vliet St. Attendees are invited to stick around after the meal to watch football on big screen TVs, play bingo and take part in children’s activities. Sponsors include Bader Philanthropies and WestCare Wisconsin.
More information: Call (414) 372-3770
Repairers of the Breach Thanksgiving Meal
Repairers of the Breach, a nonprofit whose mission is to combat homelessness, is offering to-go meals at its main campus. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/jbkytybv.
Breaking Bread Community Thanksgiving Day Feast
The 7th annual feast will feature not only free meals, but also food, clothing and other supplies for community members in need.The event is organized by Dream Team United WI, Embassy Center MKE, District 15 Alderman Russell Stamper II and the City of Milwaukee Office of Community Wellness and Safety. For additional information, visit Dream Team United WI’s website (dreamteamunited.org) or Facebook page.
Bay View United Methodist Church Traditional Thanksgiving Meal
Instead of the free bagged lunch it typically offers on Sundays, Bay View United Methodist Church will host a traditional Thanksgiving meal on the last Sunday of November.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Where to get a free turkey or Thanksgiving meal in Milwaukee in 2025
Reporting by Angelika Ytuarte and Sarah Volpenhein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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